In a recent study published in the journal Autism Research , a group of researchers examined the association between family history of neurodevelopmental (NDD) and neuropsychiatric (NPD) disorders and the developmental outcomes in younger siblings (SIBS) of children with autism. Study: Family history of psychiatric conditions and development of siblings of children with autism . Image Credit: Berit Kessler / Shutterstock Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and communication impairments, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, and stereotyped interests.
The prevalence of autism in the United States is estimated at 2.78%. Having an autistic relative increases the likelihood of recurrence within the family, with greater genetic similarity correlating with higher likelihood.
Additionally, families with a history of NDD and NPD disorders, such as intellectual disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression, also show elevated odds of autism. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of family history on the diverse phenotypic outcomes in siblings of children with autism, which could improve early identification and intervention strategies. The present study involved 229 children with at least one older sibling diagnosed with autism.
Participants, recruited between March 2006 and May 2022 at an average age of 25 months, were included if their sibling had a clinical .